insert_link APO International African Development Bank Approves $62 Million Emergency Grant to Restore Critical Services in Conflict-Affected Sudan The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $62.13 million emergency grant to support the Sudan Integrated Social Sector Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (SISSIRP). This vital support aims to restore essential health, education, and water services that have been severely disrupted by the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which erupted in 2023. The funding package, approved on 11 July 2025, comprises $44.57 million from Pillar […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Development Bank of Namibia secures direct access to Green Climate Fund By: Vitalio Angula In what economists describe as a win for the country, the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) recently announced its accreditation by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a Direct Access Entity under its medium-sized project category. This milestone makes DBN the first institution in Namibia to acquire this status, qualifying the bank for funding between USD 50 million and USD 250 million. The accreditation allows DBN […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Namibia Armed robbery at Shoprite Monte Christo Windhoek, Namibia — A robbery unfolded early this morning at the Shoprite complex on Monte Christo Road, where two suspects—one wielding a panga and the other a handgun—made off with approximately N$110,000 before fleeing on foot. City Police Assistant Superintendent Katrina Namboga confirmed the ongoing investigation and appealed to witnesses to come forward. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and coordinating ground patrols in surrounding neighbourhoods. No injuries were reported, and there […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Environment South Africa hosts G20 Environment & Climate meeting G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group Skukuza, Mpumalanga — From 14 to 18 July 2025, South Africa is convening the 2nd technical meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) at the iconic Kruger National Park, under the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. The event forms the centerpiece of South Africa’s G20 environmental agenda. Over 250 delegates from G20 nations, invited countries, international organisations, and […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Entertainment Jane Birkin’s original Hermès Birkin bag fetches €8.58 million at auction The original Birkin handbag, which was custom-made in 1984 for the late actress and singer Jane Birkin, sold at Sotheby’s Paris on Thursday for a record-setting €8.58 million (around $10 million), becoming the most expensive handbag ever auctioned. PBS reported that five bidders vied for the one-of-a-kind bag over more than ten heated minutes before a private Japanese collector secured the piece via phone. The iconic bag, made from black […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Africa Standard Bank South Africa CEO pushes back against Moody’s credit risk concerns Standard Bank SA CEO Sim Tshabalala Speaking at the Africa Unlocked Conference 2025 held in Cape Town, Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala dismissed a recent Moody’s report flagging the bank’s exposure to South African government debt as a credit risk. He questioned the accuracy of the data, remarking, “We respectfully wonder what data they were using.” Moody’s had raised concerns over Standard Bank’s approximately R272 billion exposure—around 13% of its total assets […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link South Africa Senzo Mchunu denies corruption allegations South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied corruption allegations made against him by the KwaZulu‑Natal Police Commissioner, stating he accepts and supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to place him on special leave. The minister said he stands ready to fully respond to charges and uphold his honour and integrity. The allegations, according to Times LIVE, stem from a public briefing by Lt‑Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed Mchunu colluded […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Africa Kenya lifts visa requirements for nearly all African countries In a historic first for the continent, Kenya has officially abolished visa and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) requirements for citizens of nearly all African countries, exempting only Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security concerns. Under the new policy, eligible travellers from across Africa can now enter Kenya without pre‑approval, entry forms, or visa fees, and may stay for up to two months. The Standards reports that citizens of […] today14 July, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Pupkewitz Group marks 100 years of business Group Strategy Director at the Pupkewitz Group of Companies, Andrea Barry The Pupkewitz Group is marking a historic milestone this week as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, cementing its place as one of Namibia’s most respected and enduring business institutions. Founded in 1925 by Max and Anna Pupkewitz, what began as a modest trading business in Windhoek has evolved into a diversified enterprise with interests across automotive, construction, technology, and […] today14 July, 2025